Mackenzie's 4th Birthday

The advantage of having a birthday after 2 older sisters is that you can think for months about what you want to do for your birthday party.  Because we end up spending a lot of time thinking of and planning birthday parties in March and April, by the time June comes around Mackenzie has a lot of ideas.  This year she went from a butterfly party to a shark party to everything in between over the course of about 3 months.  I finally gently nudged her in the direction of a Rainbow Party because I'd seen so many fun ideas.  Every time she came up with another idea after that I'd reply with, "That sounds so much fun.  We can do that next year for your 5 year old party."  Here's a few of the highlights from her Rainbow party.   

When the kids first came in they made necklaces by strining Fruit Loops onto yarn.  Sorry no pics!

 Then we went outside to do the pinata.  Just for the record I think pinata's are highly overrated.  They cost about $20 a piece and the kids break it open and you throw it away.  This time around I decided I was going to save the money and make one.  Found an idea on-line and used cardboard and duct tape.  No one was going to be able to break it open. . . but doesn't it look pretty? 

 Here's Mackenzie giving it a try. 

 Dad finally broke it open with a few mega Jedi hits. 

 Rainbow balloon decoration.  Not as big as I envisioned, but I ran out of time.  This was already 24 balloons, and I wasn't doing another 24!

 Rainbow mobiles.  Easy and quick decor.  Will use these or something like them again. 

 After the pinata, the kids came inside and Tori took the kids on a treasure hunt to find things related to the colors of the rainbow.  Strawberries for red, a pumpkin for orange, lemon for yellow etc.  The kids were super smart so this went pretty quick.  Their last clue was a purple crayon and they each got a box of crayons as a prize.  Look who's the crazy girl in the front with the crazy curls!  

Then Alyssa helped run a rainbow treat walk game.  The kids all walked around on colored spots, and then we'd stop the rainbow music and draw out a color.  If you were on that color you got to pick a party favor out of the bowl.  We played until everyone got their 2 favors. 

We let Mackenzie open her presents.  Alyssa was the unofficial present opener helper!

 

Then we had fruit, goldfish, and M&M's that were separated into colors. 

 And of course a rainbow cake.  The best part is cutting it to reveal the surprise inside!

Finally it was time to head outside for some water fun.  We split the 10 kids into 2 groups.  One group played in the sprinklers while the other group managed to find creative ways to slide into the pool.  Then we switched.  Of course, this is Mackenzie's crazy way. . .headfirst!

Since we were going to be in Washington D.C. on her actual birthday, we decided to let Mackenzie open her presents on Sunday.  She wasn't asking for much this year, but a friend had this Innotab Tablet and she loved it.  She was really excited to see her present and has loved playing with it ever since.  Happy Birthday Mackenzie!

We love you because you are crazy, fun, and keep us smiling.  We love your crazy curls that are a perfect representation of your fun personality that lights up our family.  I have a hard time summing up this funny little girl's personality into words.  She says the funniest things sometimes that I need to write down.  She's smart and picks up on new concepts quickly.  She loves learning and is trying to keep up with her older sisters all the time.  She loves playing with boys as much as girls because she's kind of rough and tumble.  She's always climbing or trying to flip over anything.  I often say it's not if but when this girl is going to break something.  Hopefully it won't be too painful.  She has no fear!  That can be a good trait in life, but it scares me.  Even when she got her 4 year old shots, she barely cringed, and didn't shed a tear.  We love you Mackenzie!  Keep being the crazy, fun, rambunctious girl you are!